There are a lot of resources on the internet that provide ways to get access to property. 

Consult an attorney and a CPA to determine what is best for your specific needs.  

If that doesn't help, foster relationships form afar using the internet.

The realtor will provide you w/ data to help determine where to buy property.  

I am having some difficulty determining what should be used as a CapEx value.

If an improvement by itself does not meet the 1-year test (greater of $2,000 or 1% of the unadjusted basis), but it does qualify as a separate improvement that is a separate element (when grouped with other improvements made during the tax year), determine the start of its holding period as follows.

I would like to network with both new and experienced people to determine if we can be mutually beneficial!

Call 413-636-3273 to let me know your individual buying parameters and to determine mutual benefit.

If your aunt and uncle have rentals, they should be a good resource for you to use on determining what makes sense for expenses in the area. 

All that being said, you have to start somewhere so only you will be able to determine if this is your starting spot.